Worcester Magazine
@worcestermagazine.bsky.social
Worcester Magazine is a weekly guide to arts, entertainment in Central Mass., available online at WorcesterMag.com and in print Fridays in the T&G.
ICYMI: Last week was WoMag's annual "Hometown Heroes" issue. This is the introduction, with links to the profiles of this year's honorees.
‘Bringing people together’
This year's "heroes" are people who do things that makes life better for others, and in turn, makes their community better and stronger.
www.worcestermag.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:34 PM
ICYMI: Last week was WoMag's annual "Hometown Heroes" issue. This is the introduction, with links to the profiles of this year's honorees.
"At 68, DuBois still provides consulting work for public defenders, as well as practicing psychotherapy. His work and life experiences have inspired a book of poetry, "Desperate Souls, Hopeful Hearts."
Lifelong Uxbridge resident Art DuBois releases debut poetry book
Art DuBois talks about his new poetry book, and his lifelong quest to help people find a brighter path.
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December 3, 2025 at 9:03 PM
"At 68, DuBois still provides consulting work for public defenders, as well as practicing psychotherapy. His work and life experiences have inspired a book of poetry, "Desperate Souls, Hopeful Hearts."
"The Silverbacks, aka 'The Delta Force of Rock ‘n’ Roll,' are planning to blast the roof off of the White Eagle, 118 Green St., this Saturday night, Dec. 6, with an uncompromising, maximum R&B blitzkrieg delivered by some of the best-seasoned players in the region."
Worcester rockers the Silverbacks set for show at White Eagle
The Silverbacks, aka “The Delta Force of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” are planning to blast the roof off of the White Eagle Dec. 6.
www.worcestermag.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:28 PM
"The Silverbacks, aka 'The Delta Force of Rock ‘n’ Roll,' are planning to blast the roof off of the White Eagle, 118 Green St., this Saturday night, Dec. 6, with an uncompromising, maximum R&B blitzkrieg delivered by some of the best-seasoned players in the region."
Just off Route 9 in Westborough is the Wayne F. Maccallum Wildlife Management Area, which has a solid few miles of wide trails and also contains the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s headquarters at its southwestern corner.
Explore the Wayne F. Maccallum Wildlife Management Area
Just off Road 9 in Westborough is the Wayne F. Maccallum Wildlife Management Area, which has a solid few miles of wide trails.
www.worcestermag.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Just off Route 9 in Westborough is the Wayne F. Maccallum Wildlife Management Area, which has a solid few miles of wide trails and also contains the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s headquarters at its southwestern corner.
"It's a brand-new show this year," said Troy Siebels, who has directed his own adaptation of the 1843 Charles Dickens novella about Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption at The Hanover Theatre every year it has been staged there.
'It's a brand new show' — 'A Christmas Carol' gets glowup at Hanover
The Hanover Theatre's annual production of "A Christmas Carol," has enjoyed great success. This year, the production has a new set and look.
www.worcestermag.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:22 PM
"It's a brand-new show this year," said Troy Siebels, who has directed his own adaptation of the 1843 Charles Dickens novella about Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption at The Hanover Theatre every year it has been staged there.
"I think everyone is looking for a place to find their joy. Holidays are a good source for that," said Tony Award-winner Matt Doyle, who will be performing a concert, "Make the Season Bright" on Dec. 10 as part of the Broadway in Worcester series at the BrickBox Theater at the JMAC.
Plenty of holiday concerts and shows will take the stage right after Thanksgiving
"A place to find their joy" — Plenty of holiday concerts and shows will take the stage right after Thanksgiving.
www.worcestermag.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:58 PM
"I think everyone is looking for a place to find their joy. Holidays are a good source for that," said Tony Award-winner Matt Doyle, who will be performing a concert, "Make the Season Bright" on Dec. 10 as part of the Broadway in Worcester series at the BrickBox Theater at the JMAC.
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ....
Things to Do: Mo Rocca, 'Home for the Holidays,' blues duo and more
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ...
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November 26, 2025 at 6:57 PM
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ....
"For Lester, singing has become a passion, one that provides a moment of sanctuary from worries, such as for family and friends in Jamaica, where the western part of the island sustained deaths and heavy damage during Hurricane Melissa. struck on Oct. 28."
Lifting her voice: QCC student Ashley Lester shares strength, inspiration in song
In this week's Last Call: Ashley Lester talks about a goal to bring strength to her community in Jamaica, and finding her own strength in singing.
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November 26, 2025 at 4:08 PM
"For Lester, singing has become a passion, one that provides a moment of sanctuary from worries, such as for family and friends in Jamaica, where the western part of the island sustained deaths and heavy damage during Hurricane Melissa. struck on Oct. 28."
"By all accounts, reptile species, both native and nonnative, have a large, and growing fan base. But this interest and admiration doesn't always translate into humane treatment. Some are kept illegally, defying state laws and restrictions around both native and non-native species."
Charles the alligator and Goose the water monitor show reptiles need respect
Reptiles are more loved than ever. But as Goose and Charles show, true love means respecting restrictions on ownership, and learning about proper care.
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November 25, 2025 at 7:34 PM
"By all accounts, reptile species, both native and nonnative, have a large, and growing fan base. But this interest and admiration doesn't always translate into humane treatment. Some are kept illegally, defying state laws and restrictions around both native and non-native species."
"I often find myself reprising the role of 'Quirky Sister' as I gear up for jewelry classes at the Worcester Center for Crafts. Yes, I’ve become a real metalhead of late. Earrings, necklaces, ornaments — you name it, I’ll hammer it. I find the whole process very therapeutic."
'I'm making jewelry now!' — Worcester Center for Crafts offers classes
Writes Sarah Connell Sanders, "Yes, I’ve become a real metalhead of late. Earrings, necklaces, ornaments — you name it, I’ll hammer it."
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November 25, 2025 at 5:40 PM
"I often find myself reprising the role of 'Quirky Sister' as I gear up for jewelry classes at the Worcester Center for Crafts. Yes, I’ve become a real metalhead of late. Earrings, necklaces, ornaments — you name it, I’ll hammer it. I find the whole process very therapeutic."
“Scratch pastries and sweets are fresh daily and help set us apart from competition,” said Diehl. Carrot cake, classic chocolate whoppie pies and quiche are among “customer favs,” she said. For the 10th anniversary celebration last month, customers were treated to Diehl’s lemon butter pumpkin cake.
Celebrating 10 years: Scratch pastries and other treats key to Sweets & Java's success
Sweets & Java in Holden is a woman-owned business that has survived and thrived, even in the age of coffee chain domination.
www.worcestermag.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:39 PM
“Scratch pastries and sweets are fresh daily and help set us apart from competition,” said Diehl. Carrot cake, classic chocolate whoppie pies and quiche are among “customer favs,” she said. For the 10th anniversary celebration last month, customers were treated to Diehl’s lemon butter pumpkin cake.
"Thanks to a recent grant from the Mass. Department of Agriculture, the farm started building a creamery, endeavoring to make butter and cheeses to supply those flocking to its wildly popular brewery, kitchen and barbeque pit."
Stone Cow Brewery preps for ancient pairing, as its dairy farm begins making cheese
Thanks to a recent grant, Stone Cow Brewery started building a creamery, endeavoring to make butter and cheeses.
www.worcestermag.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:48 PM
"Thanks to a recent grant from the Mass. Department of Agriculture, the farm started building a creamery, endeavoring to make butter and cheeses to supply those flocking to its wildly popular brewery, kitchen and barbeque pit."
A look at what customers at Annie's Book Stop are reading ...
Selections from what customers at Annie's Book Stop are reading
Selections from what customers at Annie's Book Stop are reading.
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November 24, 2025 at 7:45 PM
A look at what customers at Annie's Book Stop are reading ...
"It's an animal blood donor program for dogs and cats, and essentially, dogs and cats are volunteered by their owners to come and give blood, to save other pets in need, that need transfusions," said Timothy.
Veterinary blood banks facing shortage. Your dog could help.
Tufts' Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine maintains a blood bank, but they and other veterinary blood banks are facing shortages.
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November 24, 2025 at 5:52 PM
"It's an animal blood donor program for dogs and cats, and essentially, dogs and cats are volunteered by their owners to come and give blood, to save other pets in need, that need transfusions," said Timothy.
USA Today put out its list of favorite dive bars around the country, and VIncent's made the list! (There was also a Northeast regional list, which is online, that included both Vincent's and the Hotel Vernon.)
Best dive bars in America? Locally loved spots worth the road trip
From a tiki treasure to a tiny tavern, consider this your road map to America's most beloved dive bars.
www.worcestermag.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:01 PM
USA Today put out its list of favorite dive bars around the country, and VIncent's made the list! (There was also a Northeast regional list, which is online, that included both Vincent's and the Hotel Vernon.)
"Volunteer groups, charities and mutual aid organizations across the Worcester area say they need all the help they can get in order to combat hunger."
Gift of Giving: Battle over SNAP reveals deep need to fight food insecurity
The battle over SNAP has put food insecurity in focus. In this year's Gift of Giving, community orgs share how to help.
www.worcestermag.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:14 PM
"Volunteer groups, charities and mutual aid organizations across the Worcester area say they need all the help they can get in order to combat hunger."
"Mosley recently spoke about his journey within the fire department, changes in firefighting and emergency response, and balancing the pride of a job well done with compassion when an emergency scene might present the darkest hour of someone's life."
William Mosley, deputy fire chief talks fire-fighting and career change
Fire Deputy Chief William Mosley talks about the evolution of firefighting, and his quest to promote it as a career path for people of color.
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November 19, 2025 at 8:56 PM
"Mosley recently spoke about his journey within the fire department, changes in firefighting and emergency response, and balancing the pride of a job well done with compassion when an emergency scene might present the darkest hour of someone's life."
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra coming to the DCU Center the Saturday after Thanksgiving has also become a Worcester holiday tradition over the years. "It's been an annual stop," Plate said.
'A tradition' – Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to DCU with 'Ghosts of Christmas Past'
"A tradition" – Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to DCU Center with "Ghosts of Christmas Past."
www.worcestermag.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:45 PM
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra coming to the DCU Center the Saturday after Thanksgiving has also become a Worcester holiday tradition over the years. "It's been an annual stop," Plate said.
“It’s a very heavy and somber event because the gathering is to remember and honor the lives of trans folks lost to violence,” Croke said. “It also felt good to be in community. I think collective grief is powerful and important.”
'Collective grief is powerful': Different setting, atmosphere at Trans Day of Remembrance
This year's Trans Day of Remembrance vigil was held Nov. 16 at the White Room on Green Street.
www.worcestermag.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:35 PM
“It’s a very heavy and somber event because the gathering is to remember and honor the lives of trans folks lost to violence,” Croke said. “It also felt good to be in community. I think collective grief is powerful and important.”
“It's crazy to see how many people came together to either vote for us or vote for our friends in other bands. It was cool to see everyone come together, and it was a great way to give these local artists exposure,” Rickert said.
Digital Battle of the Bands runners up Evil Felipe relish community support for musicians
Evil Felipe came in second place in Worcester Magazine's first-ever Digital Battle of the Bands, behind rapper/musician Big Nate All Star.
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November 18, 2025 at 7:51 PM
“It's crazy to see how many people came together to either vote for us or vote for our friends in other bands. It was cool to see everyone come together, and it was a great way to give these local artists exposure,” Rickert said.
“I’ve got people behind me who help me out,” says Nelson, in a phone discussion before the final round of Worcester Magazine’s Digital Battle of the Bands, where he eventually triumphed over the other finalists, Central Mass. punk favorites Evil Felipe.
And the winner is ... Big Nate Allstar triumphs in WoMag's Digital Battle of the Bands
After four rounds, Worcester rapper and musician Big Nate Allstar triumphed in Worcester Magazine's first ever digital battle of the bands!
www.worcestermag.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
“I’ve got people behind me who help me out,” says Nelson, in a phone discussion before the final round of Worcester Magazine’s Digital Battle of the Bands, where he eventually triumphed over the other finalists, Central Mass. punk favorites Evil Felipe.
After three rounds of brutal bracketed band-on-band combat, two titanic Worcester musical acts are left standing at the end of Worcester Magazine's Digital Battle of the Bands: Rapper/musician Big Nate Allstar, and rockers Evil Felipe!
The final showdown! Big Nate Allstar, Evil Felipe square off in Battle of the Bands finale
Big Nate Allstar and Evil Felipe are the final musical titans standing in WoMag's Digital Battle of the Bands. Vote now for your favorite!
www.worcestermag.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:14 PM
After three rounds of brutal bracketed band-on-band combat, two titanic Worcester musical acts are left standing at the end of Worcester Magazine's Digital Battle of the Bands: Rapper/musician Big Nate Allstar, and rockers Evil Felipe!
The orchestra's music director, Cristian Măcelaru, will conduct a scintillating-sounding all-French program including two works by composer Maurice Ravel to celebrate his 150th birthday this year. The guest piano soloist is Grammy Award-winner Daniil Trifonov.
Exploring the 'French sound' —Orchestre National de France set Mechanics Hall
"It's an important tour for us" — Orchestre National de France begins first U.S. tour in nearly 10 years at Mechanics Hall.
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October 31, 2025 at 3:48 PM
The orchestra's music director, Cristian Măcelaru, will conduct a scintillating-sounding all-French program including two works by composer Maurice Ravel to celebrate his 150th birthday this year. The guest piano soloist is Grammy Award-winner Daniil Trifonov.
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ...
Things to Do: Sapling at Electric Haze, Duo Pianos at Tuckerman Hall, and more ...
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ....
www.worcestermag.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:12 PM
A few things to do in the Worcester area in the week ahead ...
“We were the first horror Halloween theme park in America. There was no book to follow, no instruction manual,” Spooky World founder David Bertolino said. “We got an opportunity to form a story, and (the film) has a heart to it. It really has a pulse.”
'Lights, camera, BOO!' — Spooky World lives (?) again in 'Spooktacular' new documentary
The documentary “Spooktacular: Behind the Screams of America’s Original Horror Theme Park,” tells the Spooky World story.
www.worcestermag.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:29 PM
“We were the first horror Halloween theme park in America. There was no book to follow, no instruction manual,” Spooky World founder David Bertolino said. “We got an opportunity to form a story, and (the film) has a heart to it. It really has a pulse.”